Everyone is mad at Sen. Joe Manchin for announcing he was a no on the Build Back Better Act. Coal miners are included.
The United Mine Workers of America politely told the West Virginia senator to reconsider his position on the legislation that would change the American energy landscape. The benefits of the bill are well known, but it's even more apparent that Manchin was trying to protect himself when he said the bill was dead.
Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers of America, urged Senator Manchin to revisit his opposition to this legislation and work with his colleagues to pass something that will help keep coal miners working and have a meaningful impact on our members, their families, and their communities.
The benefits for miners suffering from black lung were highlighted by Roberts. The benefits are paid for by a fee on coal companies. Thousands of miners across the region suffer from the disease because of the coal dust they breathe. The need for benefits to help miners deal with the respiratory issue before it becomes fatal is one of the reasons why an increasing number of miners are dying from it.
Coal companies have been paying into the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund for years, but this year will be the last year. The act would have extended them in 25 years. The fund gave out over forty million dollars to black lung sufferers in West Virginia in 2020, nearly a quarter of all funds dispersed in the U.S.
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The bill had provisions to give tax incentives to manufacturers to build facilities in the coalfields that would employ thousands of coal miners who have lost their jobs. We are ready to help supply those plants with a trained, professional workforce. The language that would fine employers for union busting was supported by the UMWA. It makes a lot of sense given the history of the mining unions and their battles with owners.
Manchin argued that he didn't know how to pitch it at home. The statement is tailored to a state that has relied heavily on the coal industry for its economy and identity. Manchin could have easily picked out other benefits, like giving people with kids money to buy food.
Manchin is a top campaign recipient of money from the coal, mining, oil and gas extraction, and gas transmission and distribution industries and comes in third with utilities. The owners of those industries don't like the idea of Build Back Better. The new statement from the UMWA shows that workers are ready for the energy transition.
Roberts praised Manchin for his past support and noted their long and friendly relationship. Manchin has been friendly with Exxon. The senator needs to decide who he wants to sit with.
